Just a few weeks into term and we’re thrilled to feel the buzz of activity around the campus once more. Despite bubbling and distancing still being in place, there is a real sense that normality is just a stone’s throw away!
Last week, we began our series of Evening Recitals in Hall. Pianists Taki and Charlie, alongside wind players Tony and Horace gave a truly exceptional concert to celebrate a return to live music. Charlie began proceedings with a poised yet atmospheric performance of Debussy’s Cathedrale Engloutie before a more energetic and fiery rendition of Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G-minor. During his time here, Charlie has offered huge amounts to Charterhouse music and we thank him, hugely, for his contributions. Louis Spohr is a name who rarely features in programmes, yet Horace’s performance of his beautiful Adagio, accompanied by Mr Clive Williamson, reminded us of the composer’s gems amongst his output. The acoustics of Hall were perfect for this performance and we were momentarily transported away from the stresses of strains of the outside world. Following this item, Taki took to the stage; in recent times, Taki has taken to the works of the Second Viennese School, composers who push the boundaries of tonality, an anti-Romantic characterisation. Their music is complex, both to play and to comprehend. However, Taki’s performance was one of outstanding ability, showing extraordinary musicality and understanding of the notes on the page, a real treat for the capacity audience. Tony concluded the concert with some expert and acrobatic clarinet playing in Luigi Bassi’s Fantasia da concerto, a tribute to the music of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Tony has always impressed on his instrument and this was no different; more wonderful playing, the perfect way to round off an evening of superb music making. Watch the first Evening Recital below.
We have lots to look forward to this term – Evening Recital II and III are just around the corner, we welcome Mr Oliver Tarney to Charterhouse to adjudicate on Composition Prizes just before half term before we delve into the wonders and excitement of Artifex. This will also include four performances of Les Miserables; pupils have been working very hard to put this together and rehearsals have kicked off in earnest once again this term. Do look out for details of all of these events – may they be the perfect antidote to those little exam things that are fluttering around the campus right now!
